Policy focuses on removing barriers, providing supports like mentorship programs and leadership training
The government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has announced a significant policy shift aimed at fostering equity and inclusion within its public service.
The new Indigenous Employment Policy (IEP) will replace the long-standing Affirmative Action Policy on March 31, 2025, marking a pivotal step in the territory's reconciliation efforts.
Set to take effect on April 1, 2025, the IEP prioritizes the recruitment, retention, and career development of Indigenous individuals, aligning with subsection 35(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982, says the government.
This move is part of the GNWT’s broader strategy to ensure its workforce better reflects the demographics of the Northwest Territories (NWT), where Indigenous people comprise 49.6% of the population but only 29% of GNWT employees.
Changes in NWT include:
The IEP is designed to address systemic barriers to employment and advancement for Indigenous individuals, says the government. Unlike its predecessor, the policy is exclusively tailored to Indigenous recruitment and career progression, providing targeted supports such as mentorship programs and leadership training.
“This policy represents our commitment to real change and to building a stronger, more inclusive government for all Northerners,” said Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance.
“By focusing on removing barriers and providing supports like mentorship programs and leadership training, we are working to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous employees to grow and succeed.”
The development of the IEP involved extensive public consultation, including input from Indigenous governments, organizations, stakeholders, and GNWT employees. These consultations were integral to crafting a policy that addresses existing challenges while aligning with GNWT’s reconciliation and equity goals, says the government.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the policy requires annual reporting on workforce demographics, enabling the GNWT to track progress and maintain consistency across departments.
The GNWT has invited its employees to attend a virtual Town Hall on January 28, 2025, to gain further insights into the IEP and ask questions about its implementation.
In September, the NWT raised the minimum wage for the territory.
